Kristian Phillips as Lennie and William Rodell as George in rehearsals for Of Mice And Men. Photo by Ellie Kurttz

Back by popular demand, Birmingham Repertory Theatre revives their 2014 production of John Steinbeck’s classic Of Mice And Men for a limited run this February. Featuring a new cast, the show will open at The REP on 4 February 2016 before touring the UK until May.

Adapted from Steinbeck’s novella, this enduring American literary classic is a heartbreaking testament to the bonds of friendship between migrant workers during the Great Depression, and an examination of even the most marginalised to pursue the American Dream.

This masterpiece tells the story of two migrant farm workers, George and Lennie. Held together by a mutual dependence, a deep affection and an undying loyalty, they go in search of a new beginning in the hope of attaining their shared dream: putting together enough money to buy a small piece of land and building a home. No strangers to trouble, George and Lennie soon find themselves reeling from the fallout of an innocent misunderstanding, which spirals out of control and leaves the two men facing an earth-shattering climax. A story, raw in speech and action, full of heart and unflinching realism, it remains one of the most poignant statements of being human that our contemporary theatre has produced.

Of Mice And Men will be directed by The REP’s Artistic Director, Roxana Silbert who says:

“Eight decades after it was first published, Of Mice and Men remains heartbreakingly resonant. On the news every night we see people risking their lives for a dream of a better life, experiencing the extremes of desperation and human kindness in their quest. Of Mice and Men captures the epic story of the American dream in tandem with the beautiful story of an ordinary friendship which sits at the heart of the play.”

The cast includes Dave Fishley as Crooks, Nicholas Goode as Whit, Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Curley’s Wife Neil McKinven as Carlson / Boss, Kristian Phillips as Lennie, Jonah Russell as Slim, and William Rodell as George, Ben Stott as Curley and features Dudley Sutton as Candy.

Following its opening in Birmingham Of Mice And Men will tour to Cheltenham, Nottingham, Wolverhampton, Darlington, Blackpool, Cambridge, Brighton, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Oxford and Leicester.